Sinner sinks Paul in semis, will battle De Minaur for Toronto title

Jannik Sinner booked a spot in the final of a Masters 1000 event for the third time in his career when he defeated Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4 at the National Bank Open on Saturday night. Sinner broke Paul’s serve on five occasions to prevail after one hour and 56 minutes.

He will face Alex de Minaur in Sunday’s title tilt.

It was not entirely smooth sailing for the world No 8, who got broken in the opening game of the match and eventually gave back a break lead at 4-2 in the first set. Sinner also failed to serve out the match at 5-3 in the second.

However, the 21-year-old’s return game was impeccable the whole night and he would soon convert his third match point when Paul sent a forehand long at 4-5, ad-out.

Will the third time be the charm for Sinner?

Sinner has lost each of his two previous Masters 1000 finals — both in Miami (to Hubert Hurkacz in 2021 and to Daniil Medvedev earlier this season). The Italian heads into this one as a considerable favorite, as not only is he higher ranked than De Minaur but he is also dominating the head-to-head series 4-0 overall and 10-1 in total sets.

Still, Sunday’s final promises to be an entertaining affair given how well both players have looked in Toronto.

Read also

Why ‘The Demon’ is a nightmare match-up for Sinner in the Toronto Masters final, despite their head-to-head

Tennis Majors

“We have faced each other already a couple of times. We know exactly what to expect. He has improved as I do,” Sinner said of the match up against De Minaur after his semi-final win.

“It’s nice that we can share the court for important trophy, you know, and then let’s see tomorrow. It’s going to be a tough challenge, for sure, but I love to take these challenges.”

Prior to beating Paul, Sinner defeated compatriot Matteo Berrettini (6-4, 6-3) and Frenchman Gael Monfils (6-4, 4-6, 6-3). De Minaur also dropped just one set en route to the final while beating Cameron Norrie, Gabriel Diallo, Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Meanwhile, it was an outstanding week for Paul despite Saturday’s setback. The 14th-ranked American got the best of qualifier Diego Schwartzman (6-3, 3-6, 6-4), Francisco Cerundolo (7-6 (2), 6-7 (2), 6-3), qualifier Marcos Giron (6-3, 6-2) and world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz(6-3, 4-6, 6-3).

Toronto Masters, other semi-final result:

• Alex De Minaur beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina: 6-1, 6-3

You might also like this

Canadian Open: Second semi-final rescheduled for Sunday, Rybakina or Samsonova to play final on same day

tennis majors

Sinner, favourite in Toronto and close to winning his first Masters 1000: “I feel I’m in very good mental shape”

tennis majors

“I get a real sense of satisfaction proving people wrong” – De Minaur looking to defy critics in Toronto Masters final

tennis majors